More than 11 million people face possible water shortages as workers at Rand Water prepare to strike. The SA Municipal Workers' Union has warned that taps could run dry if the company does not respond to workers' demands.Some 4000 members of the union - involved in both the treatment and distribution of water - yesterday gave 48 hours' notice of their intention to strike."When taps run dry in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, members of the community should ask Rand Water board why it has not committed to giving workers increases that will have real gains for them," said Chumani Gqeke, the national collective bargaining officer for Samwu.Negotiations collapsed as Samwu described the offer tabled by the water utility as insignificant."Our next appointment with Rand Water will be on the streets," Gqeke said."Given the behaviour of the employer we felt we would not continue with wage negotiations that are inherently characterised by dishonesty, arrogance and lack of commitment," he said.Rand Water has offered a 6% increase.Samwu is demanding a 10% increase for all of the lowest-paid workers at Rand Water; 9% for middle-income workers and 8% for supervisors.It wants a 12% incentive bonus and R2150 housing allowance across the board.The water utility was quick to try and quell fears of water shortages.Justice Mohale, its media relations manager, said there was an agreement with the union that, in the event of a strike, essential service staff would still report for duty.Employees who worked in purification, water pump and scientific divisions would not down tools, he said."It is impossible that taps will be dry; the supply of water will not be interrupted."Mohale assured the company's customers, including municipalities, industry, farms and mines, that there would be no interference in water supply.Rand Water committed to reaching an amicable resolution to the current salary negotiations, Mohale said.Gqeke, too, said the union remained committed to finding a solution "that will be in the interest of our members . our doors for negotiations will be open so long as the offer from Rand Water is enticing to our members".Rand Water's distribution network includes more than 3056km of large-diameter pipeline, feeding 58 reservoirs. It supplies an average 3653million litres of water daily...